Pycharm vs. Sublime — you’re probably asking yourself this as a Python dev or a beginner, unsure if Pycharm is worth the investment, or if good ol’ Sublime Text is good enough. Some developers may argue that your code editor does not matter. But others will do their best to convince you that it does.
Either way, if you find yourself at the crossroads of these two choices, your best bet is to stop wasting time and pick one!
In this article, we’ll check out the similarities and differences between two of the most well-known code editors, PyCharm and Sublime. We’ll go in-depth on their capabilities and functionality, relating our own experiences as we go, ultimately leaving you with a definitive answer. Let’s get started!
Sublime Text: Overview
Let’s start with Sublime.
Sublime Text is the champion of text editors, packed with powerful features to make your coding experience smooth and effortless. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, Sublime Text is the trusty sidekick you need by your side.
The first stable release of Sublime Text 4 has finally arrived, and it’s packed with some great features that we think you’ll love. But is it better than PyCharm? Let’s discuss.
Features of Sublime Text 4
License Changes: Your License, Your Way
Sublime Text license keys are no longer tied to a single major version, and instead, they are now valid for all updates within three years of purchase. This means you can enjoy all the exciting updates without having to buy a new major version.
Tab Multi-Select: A Multitasking Marvel
File tabs have been enhanced to make split views effortless, with support throughout the interface and built-in commands. This means you can now work on multiple files at once without losing your mind. It’s like having a multitasking superhero by your side!
Apple Silicon and Linux ARM64: Future-Proof Your Workflow
Sublime Text for Mac now includes native support for Apple Silicon processors, and Linux ARM64 builds are also available. This means you can future-proof your workflow and work on any device, anytime, anywhere.
Refreshed UI: Aesthetic Appeal with Dark-Mode Support
The Default and Adaptive themes have been refreshed with new tab styles and inactive pane dimming. Themes and Color Schemes support auto dark-mode switching. Plus, the Adaptive theme on Windows and Linux now features custom title bars. This means you can work in style, even if you’re a night owl.
Context-Aware Auto Complete: A Smart and Helpful Sidekick
The auto-complete engine has been rewritten to provide smart completions based on existing code in a project. Suggestions are also augmented with info about their kind and provide links to definitions. This means you can have a helpful sidekick by your side, suggesting solutions before you even think of them.
Superpowered Syntax Definitions: Fast and Powerful
The syntax highlighting engine has been significantly improved, with new features like handling non-deterministic grammars, multi-line constructs, lazy embeds, and syntax inheritance. Memory usage has been reduced, and load times are faster than ever.
GPU Rendering: Powering Your Superhero Capabilities
Sublime Text can now utilize your GPU on Linux, Mac, and Windows when rendering the interface. This results in a fluid UI all the way up to 8K resolutions, all while using less power than before. This means you can unleash your superhero capabilities with a fluid UI and optimized power consumption.
Pros and Cons of Sublime Text 4:
Pros:
- Intuitive and easy to use, even for beginners.
- High-quality features and customization options.
- Support for multiple programming languages.
- Enhanced performance and faster load times.
- Regular updates and exciting new features.
- Future-proof with cross-platform and future hardware support.
- Strong and helpful community support.
Cons:
- No built-in Git or version control features.
- Limited debugging capabilities.
- Limited project management features.
PyCharm: Overview
PyCharm is like having your own personal coding sidekick, minus the annoying comments and constant snacking. It’s a really powerful integrated development environment (IDE) that instantly simplifies the process of creating and debugging Python programs, and it even has a few surprises up its sleeve to make programming more enjoyable.
Despite the name, PyCharm is compatible with other programming languages like JavaScript, Node.JS, and HTML.
Here are some of PyCharm’s features that you’ll just end up loving:
Features of PyCharm
Smart Code Editor:
PyCharm is like a personal assistant for coders. It can predict what you’re trying to type and auto-complete your code for you, saving you time and preventing typos. And the auto-import feature is like having a butler fetch your library books for you – it’s just so convenient!
Debugger
The debugger in PyCharm is like having a detective on your team to help you solve the mysteries of your code. It’s not going to help you with your personal problems, but it will definitely help you to debug your code and identify any issues that might be causing problems. With PyCharm’s built-in debugger, you can trace the execution of your code, check variable values, and solve problems like a pro.
Version Control Integration:
PyCharm makes version control a breeze. It’s like having a personal assistant that handles all the tedious work of version control for you. With PyCharm’s integration with Git, Mercurial, and Subversion, you can easily commit, update, and manage your code changes.
Web Development Features
PyCharm is not just for Python. It’s got web development features that make building web applications a breeze. With support for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and the built-in web server, you can test your web application without leaving the comfort of PyCharm.
Test Runner
PyCharm’s test runner is like a personal trainer for your code. It helps you test your code, view test results, and debug failed tests. It supports popular testing frameworks like pytest, nose, and unittest, and it also provides coverage analysis to help you identify untested code.
Remote Development
PyCharm enables you to create code no matter where you are, whether it on the surface of the moon or in the depths of the ocean. The remote development functionality of PyCharm enables you to write code on a remote workstation or in a virtual environment. PyCharm has your back whether you’re collaborating with a team that’s located in a different location or you just want access to strong computing resources.
Code Analysis
Python IDE PyCharm is like having a personal coding coach to help you learn and grow as a programmer. It has a robust engine for analyzing code for syntax problems and unneeded code. As a trusted advisor, it offers advice on modifying your code for greater efficiency and readability.
Pros and Cons of PyCharm
Pros
- Powerful and feature-rich IDE
- Great code editing and debugging capabilities
- Excellent integration with version control systems
- Tailored features for web development
- Cross-platform support
Cons
- It can be resource-intensive on lower-end machines
- Some features are only available in the paid Professional version
- It may have a steep learning curve for beginners
PyCharm vs. Sublime: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Sublime Text 4 and PyCharm?
It all comes down to this: Sublime is a text editor, and Pycharm is a full-featured IDE.
Think of Sublime Text 4 as a sleek and speedy sports car – it’s all about writing code quickly and efficiently. PyCharm, on the other hand, is more like a luxury SUV with all the bells and whistles – it’s loaded with features and tools to help you manage your code and projects.
Which one is better for beginners?
Both Sublime Text 4 and PyCharm have a little learning curve, so your choice should be based on personal preference. Sublime Text 4 may be more your pace if you like to get straight in and start typing code. Yet, PyCharm’s numerous features and informative error warnings may be precisely what you need if you want a more hands-on, guided learning experience.
Which one is better for advanced users?
Again, it really depends on your preferences. If you’re someone who values speed and simplicity above all else, Sublime Text 4 might be your jam. But if you’re a power user who loves nothing more than having access to every tool and feature under the sun, PyCharm might be more up your alley.
Does Sublime Text 4 have debugging and version control features like PyCharm?
Yes, Sublime Text 4 does have some debugging and version control features, but they’re not as comprehensive as PyCharm’s. Sublime Text 4 is more focused on being a super-fast and lightweight code editor, while PyCharm is a more fully-featured integrated development environment (IDE) with tools for debugging, testing, and version control.
Which one is more customizable?
Sublime Text 4 wins the award for most customizable code editor out there, hands down. You can tweak just about every aspect of the interface and keyboard shortcuts to your liking. PyCharm, while still highly customizable, doesn’t quite match up to Sublime Text 4 in this regard.
Which one is more expensive PyCharm vs. Sublime?
PyCharm is going to cost you more in the long run, with a $249 per year subscription fee. On the other hand, Sublime comes with a one-time $99 fee. Fortunately, they both have a free trial period so you can test them out.
